Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

Spread the love

Anti-SLAPP bill signed

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

The governor said Senate Bill 1181 will ensure that the press won’t have to fear retaliation for telling the truth.

The measure takes effect immediately.

Chicago schools settles meditation case

A court-approved settlement of over $2.6 million is now being paid to 207 former Chicago Public School high school students who were required to participate in a transcendental meditation program during class.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the students’ rights were disregarded by the Chicago Board of Education, and students were coerced to practice a worldview that was in conflict with their faith.

Du Quoin State Fair begins

Friday is Day One and Family Night at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Now in its 102nd year, the fair features music, livestock shows, auto and harness racing, rodeos and agricultural exhibits.

The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1.

⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
72° 55°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 15 to 20 mph 💧 63%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Op-Ed: If Illinois wants clean energy, it needs data centers

Op-Ed: If Illinois wants clean energy, it needs data centers

By LyLena Estabine | Illinois Policy InstituteThe Center Square If Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to reach his environmental and economic goals, data centers will need to be central to...
Illinois senator’s bill on transgender ‘mental illness’ sparks debate

Illinois senator’s bill on transgender ‘mental illness’ sparks debate

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R–Freeport, is pushing legislation that would classify transgenderism as a mental illness...
Lawmaker says Illinois behind 44 states in legislative transparency

Lawmaker says Illinois behind 44 states in legislative transparency

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Minority Leader Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, is renewing her bid to increase transparency in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Foreign national faces harboring, forced labor charges

Illinois Quick Hits: Foreign national faces harboring, forced labor charges

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Honduran citizen residing in Waukegan has been indicted for allegedly bringing illegal aliens into the United...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Legislative Committee for February 3, 2026

Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 The Will County Legislative Committee convened on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to finalize its federal priorities and receive updates on state and national...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Health & Safety Committee: Opioid Overdose Deaths Drop to Zero in January as Behavioral Health Department Expands Role

Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Health Department reported a significant decline in opioid overdose deaths, recording zero fatalities in January...
Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods

Illinois GOP state reps call on Dems to stop taxing s’mores, other goods

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois House Republicans are calling on Democrats to oppose new tax proposals. State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton,...
Illinois Quick Hits: Tangent to expand in Montgomery

Illinois Quick Hits: Tangent to expand in Montgomery

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced on Wednesday that a...
Retail advocate: Swipe fees ruling is largest Main St. 'relief package' in Illinois

Retail advocate: Swipe fees ruling is largest Main St. ‘relief package’ in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A retail business advocate says a federal judge’s ruling to uphold the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act paves...
Smith & Wesson wins appeal chance in Highland Park lawsuits

Smith & Wesson wins appeal chance in Highland Park lawsuits

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Gunmaker Smith & Wesson will get a chance to appeal a Lake County judge's decision clearing the way for the families of...
Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review

Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The McLean County Republican Party says a newly announced federal investigation into Tufts University could have...
Violence Interrupters, local activists lead CTA safety push

Violence Interrupters, local activists lead CTA safety push

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Violence Interrupters founder Tio Hardiman has joined with faith-based leaders and community activists across the city...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man sentenced for sex trafficking

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago man sentenced for sex trafficking

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago man has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and kidnapping....
Joliet Junior College Graphic.5

State of the College: JJC Announces Plans for New Campus in Grundy County

Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: During his State of the College address, Joliet Junior College (JJC) President Dr. Clyne Namuo announced the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for February 2, 2026

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 The Frankfort Village Board met on Monday, February 2, 2026, to conduct routine business and approve several land use and financial items....